Boom jaws (again)

[Stump]

All right, I really like the look of boom jaws. From what I can tell they really don't seem that hard to make, after all, you have to make gaff jaws

I guess what I'm worndering about is if you need to have a down haul on the boom to hold it down or if the weight of the boom itself will keep it down?

Also, is there anything special I need to know about when I put them together? Or can I build them just like the gaff, jaws?

Tdrown, didn't you go with boom jaws? How are they working for you? Any special problems or concerns?

I think wrapping the mast with leather is a better idea than in the jaws themselves, easier to do and I would think last longer. Do you think that 4" above and below where the jaws ususally ride would be enought?

Is a mast saddle necessary on a boat this size out would it be ok to allow the boom to drop to the cabin top...never mind, I'm already thining of problems that could/would occure if there was no saddle.

All comments are welcome...come on, don't be shy, smother me in your knowledge. :wink:

I really do learn so much from everyone on this forum, it's kept me from stepping on my own toes more than once.

[Barry Pyeatt]

Traditionally speaking, the boom jaws would be a lot more interesting, particularly on a larger boat. On a small boat like the Weekender, I don't see any advantage to using them and a lot of disadvantages, some of which you mentioned. The booms are very light on the Weekender with a lot of sail attached to them. And they work fine. You had also mentioned loose footing the main, and that would complicate things a bit.

YOu might check out a copy of The Sailmakers Apprentice from the Lynden Library, or have them get it on interlibrary loan because there are some good discussions on sails, shaping, loose footed gaff sails and various types of rigging and the advantages/disadvantages of each.

If you make a 2X3 boom from Doug fir, it will have enough weight and strength to aid in keeping it where it should be. I also feel that the Glen-L sliding/adjustable height gooseneck is a better way to go. You can see that on Phil Gowen's Aloha. I've seen it on a lot of other small boats and it is a slick solution to working with a gaff rig on a small boat.

If you are planning on adding a boom tent in the future, then It is really a slick way to raise the boom for the camping needs and bringing it back down and tighten up the luff for normal sailing.

The boom jaws would ideally be curved in profile so that the ends of the jaws would be essentially horizontal when being used, same on the gaff.

They both use parrel beads to help retain them and ride on the mast. Yes, leather wraps on the mast would make it eaier to work with, but you might want to consider more than 4" above and below as they do move around abit.

[Stump]

I know that sliding gooseneck was mentioned before. I have heard that it might not take the stress of the sail (?).

Phil, any comments on you sliding gooseneck?

[Phil Gowans]

A sliding goose neck would be nice. Mine is the standard design and does not change position. The boom is rather low, especially with the new loose footed main. The only sliding goose neck that I recall seeing is that of Terry Crisp.

[Johannah]

Capt. Jake may have one and we are headed that way, having all the bits and pieces but needing to install them. I miss having a downhaul. Glen-L has a very reasonably priced sliding gooseneck which combines with a bit of track, a couple of stops and a cleat for the downhaul.

[capt jake]

Nope, unfortunately, I don't have one. I am sure one could be fabricated witha a piece of sail track, some locking slides ($$); shoudl be pretty easy.

A downhaul for the main? That would be handy. No need for a downhaul on the jib, if you furl